Director Communications and Digital Engagement

Overview

Director of Communications & Digital Engagement

Location: IWM London (Hybrid)

Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 per annum

Working Hours: 36 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Reports To: Executive Director, Audiences & Public Engagement

IWM is entering an exciting new chapter, with a refreshed Vision & Purpose framework and ambitious plans to broaden our audiences and deepen engagement across all our branches. As our Director of Communications & Digital Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how the world experiences IWM — online, in the media, and across our digital estate.

Your leadership will help us:

• tell more powerful stories,
• reach new and diverse audiences,
• enhance our digital presence, and
• build a consistent, compelling brand experience across every channel.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team at scale — across PR, crisis comms, digital content, UX, analytics and audience growth — and drive the transformation of one of the UK’s most respected cultural institutions.

At the IWM, we’re united by a shared purpose: telling stories that help people understand conflict and its impact on all of us. But just as importantly, we’re united by how we work together. This is a place where people genuinely care—about the mission, about our visitors, and about one another.

You’ll join a collaborative, supportive community where everyone’s voice matters. We trust our teams to take ownership, make thoughtful decisions, and experiment with new approaches. You’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, share your ideas, and grow your career in an environment built on curiosity, respect, and kindness.

If you’re motivated by meaningful work, enjoy shaping how organisations speak to the world, and want to be part of a team that is constantly learning and evolving, you’ll feel right at home here.

You’ll lead a talented team of around 25 specialists spanning Communications, PR, Digital Content, Digital Experience and Audience Insight. Your work will be strategic, creative, and hands‑on where needed. A typical month could include:

• Setting the strategic direction for communications and digital engagement across all IWM branches.
• Leading the next phase of digital audience growth — building on significant success across You Tube, Instagram, Facebook and emerging platforms.
• Overseeing the refresh of IWM’s brand and visual identity across digital channels, including the website.
• Driving a storytelling‑led approach to communications as we launch our new Vision & Purpose.
• Working closely with leaders across Marketing, Learning, Curatorial, Technology and Commercial to ensure integrated, audience‑first activity.
• Leading IWM’s response to major media moments, reputational issues and crisis communications.
• Reviewing and evolving internal communications to ensure our people are engaged, informed and inspired.
• Championing innovation, test‑and‑learn approaches and the use of AI to enhance content, efficiency and user experience.
• Overseeing budgets, key partnerships, and the commissioning of major digital and communications contracts.

You’ll bring clarity, direction and ambition — ensuring IWM’s voice is consistent, confident and impactful across all channels.

Required

We’re looking for a senior leader who brings:

• Significant experience leading communications and/or digital engagement strategy in a complex, multi‑site organisation.
• A strong track record of managing national or international media relations under pressure.
• Confidence handling challenging, sensitive or high‑profile issues with sound judgement.
• Experience using analytics and digital insight to shape strategy, content and audience growth.
• An audience‑first mindset, with the ability to turn insight into compelling storytelling and digital experiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — credible, calm and inspiring at all levels.
• Commercial understanding, with experience managing budgets and identifying opportunities to drive income.
• A collaborative leadership style, building strong relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Curi…